The following is a statement from Association American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman to support the “Endless Frontier Act,” which would make a $110 billion investment in technology research and development:
Seventy-five years ago, Vannevar Bush’s report, “Science, the Endless Frontier,” laid the groundwork for virtually every major scientific and technological advancement – from the Moon landing to the Internet to chemotherapy – that the United States has produced since. I applaud Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and their staff for taking up Dr. Bush’s mantle by introducing the “Endless Frontier Act”, S. 3832 and H.R. 6978.
In an era when other nations threaten to eclipse America’s longstanding scientific and economic leadership, this legislation makes a bold and sustained investment in America’s security, health, and economic growth through funding crucial research.
The Endless Frontier Act helps us stay at the forefront of global scientific advancement by supporting research into quantum computing, synthetic biology, and advanced manufacturing. It includes measures to facilitate faster technology transfer from academic research environments into commercial applications, and strongly supports the people whose ideas, know-how, and work drive discovery and innovation.
We also appreciate that Leader Schumer, Sen. Young, Rep. Khanna, and Rep. Gallagher’s proposal would house critical innovation efforts within the National Science Foundation – the only federal agency whose mission includes support for all fields of fundamental science and engineering other than medical sciences. These investments will help NSF catalyze innovation, support scientific leadership, and keep America globally competitive. AAU supports strong investments in all fields of fundamental knowledge, and we look forward to working to advance the bill through the legislative process.
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Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 65 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.